The Show Will Go On

6/25/2018

By Rep. Steve Mentzer (R-Lititz)
Folks will be happy to know that the Fourth of July fireworks display at Lititz Springs Park will go on as it has for the past 170 years.

For quite some time now, those involved with the annual event had been concerned that the fireworks celebration might be nixed due to plans to transform the former Wilbur Chocolate factory into upscale apartments, a hotel and retail complex.
State and local fireworks codes require that the larger shells used in the display be launched from a safety zone that is 560 feet from occupied buildings, roads or public gatherings.

The display traditionally was launched from the Wilbur Little League baseball field, but that is going to be developed as part of the plan.

It seemed a dire situation until the development plans were studied further and a spot that has been slated to be cleared of trees and brush proved a suitable alternative launch site for the fireworks shells.

The show will include aerial and ground-based fireworks, fireballs, lasers and pyrotechnics set to music.

I am pleased, as are many in our community, that the show will go on. We have had a July 4th celebration in Lititz since 1811 and it will continue!

There is some other news about fireworks to report. Pennsylvanians celebrating Independence Day will have more options for purchasing fireworks, thanks to a new law passed last fall.

Under the new law, consumers can now purchase and use “Class C” or “consumer-grade” fireworks that include firecrackers, Roman Candles, bottle rockets and similar fireworks that contain a maximum of 50 milligrams of explosive material. The expansion includes those fireworks that were previously only available to out-of-state residents.

“Display fireworks,” which are classified as including salutes that contain more than 2 grains or 130 milligrams of explosive materials, and professional-grade aerial shells containing more than 60 grams of pyrotechnic compositions, are still only to be used by professionals with a permit from the municipality where the display will take place.

Several restrictions are in place regarding where fireworks can be ignited or discharged, including having express permission of the property owner. Fireworks cannot be discharged from or within a motor vehicle or building, toward a motor vehicle or building or within 150 feet of an occupied structure. Also, it is recommended to check on any applicable local ordinances.

Anyone 18 years or older can purchase fireworks. They are legal to be sold at any licensed facility, including temporary ones. These temporary structures can sell fireworks between the dates of June 15-July 8, and Dec. 21-Jan. 2 each year.